“Cycling is not just for cities” rural residents tell councillors

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February 22, 2022

Galway daily news Vigilance urged as HSE investigates case of meningitis

Eight group water schemes in Galway were found to be contaminated by e. coli in the latest report by the EPA.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies report published on Monday found that 69 private water supplies in Ireland had e. coli in them in 2020.

The report covers more than 380 group water schemes, supplying over 200,000 people in rural areas, along with more than 1,700 small private supplies to premises like hotels, pubs, school, nursing homes and more.

In total 20 group water schemes were found to have e. coli contamination in 2020, as well as 49 small private supplies.

Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, said “Consumers should expect, as a minimum, that their water is safe to drink.”

“However, compliance with the E.coli standard is not as good as it should be for water from private group water schemes and small private supplies.”

“It is essential that works to improve water quality are carried out as soon as possible to eliminate the serious risks to people’s health.”

“Water suppliers are obliged to make sure drinking water is clean and wholesome for consumers,” he added.

The EPA found that, overall, 95 per cent of private group water schemes and 96 per cent of small private supplies were compliant with e. coli standards.

Popular city bar launches mouth-watering new Tapas menu

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February 22, 2022

Galway Daily food 1520 Tapas menu — Photo Martina Regan.

The popular Galway City bar 1520 has launched a new menu with a taste of the continent in their all-day Tapas style offering.

Living up to promise of the Latin Quarter name, Head Chef Nicolas Betts has crafted a new menu inspired by his 20 years in Spain since his recent return to Galway.

Pinchitos, Gambas Al Ajilio, Croquetas de Jamon Serrano, and Tortilla con Chorizo are just a few of the delicious offerings that have been added to the Tapas menu.

But while this is a major overhaul, it is far from a complete abandonment of all Irish cuisine, as the team at 1520 have striven to incorporate traditional Irish dishes, albeit with a Mediterranean influence.

The menu embraces a variety of innovative small plates, perfect for sharing and showcasing the best of West of Ireland produce.

Galway Daily 1520 Tapas menu — Photo Martina Regan.

These are coupled with a wide choice of non-meat and vegan options as well as a firm favourite the Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich and the Estafado, a braised slow cooked Irish beef vegetable stew.

Head Chef Nick’s flair for food started at a young age, growing up in the Yorkshire countryside.

On completing his formal studies he worked as a personal chef and catering consultant then later began his adventure abroad in Argenton-sur-Creuse, France.

He continued on to the Canary Islands where he settled for over 20 years with his young family, learning about the Spanish way of living and eating while cooking for visitors from all over Europe, as well as teaching cuisine techniques to catering students from Northern Europe.

Since taking up his post, nick and his team have working with the best local and regional produce, for him to add his Spanish influence to.

With this continental twist as the essence of his dishes, he enjoys the challenge of creating great food experiences and is excited with the wide variety that Galway has on offer.

1520 is known for its delicious craft cocktails and beautiful atmosphere, boasting an eclectic design style atop the old medieval building.

Their new tapas menu is now available seven days a week in the heart of the Latin Quarter

Motorists caught in “speed trap” as limit changed without notice Cllr says

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February 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Speed limits reduced on busy city road for five months

A City Councillor has said that people are being caught in a “speed trap” around Oranmore, as the limit has been changed without notice.

Galway City Councillor Alan Cheevers has said that motorists were not properly informed about a reduction in the speed limit on the Oranmore Coast Road.

The limit there had been 80km/hr, but has since been reduced to a 50km/hr speed limit.

“I have had numerous representations from residents over last few days who have been caught and issued fines,” Alan Cheevers said.

He added that many people feel that the 50km/hr limit appeared “overnight without notice” and intend to appeal the fines they have received.

Cllr Cheevers says he is all for reducing speed and safety of motorists, cyclists and walkers, that but that there must be proper consultation with residents in area if reducing speed limits

Free public WiFi points installed across Galway city

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February 21, 2022

galway daily news free wifi in galway city

Free WiFi hotspots have been launched today by Galway City Council in sixteen locations across the city.

An interactive map shows where people can now access free Wi-Fi, with locations spanning from Doughiska, to Ballinfoyle, to the city centre, and onwards to Salthill and Knocknacarra.

Speaking about the new hotspots, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Colette Connolly said that it is great news for the city.

“This free Wi-Fi access will allow people of all ages to keep connected, search for directions, look up local businesses, book public transport and find all that Galway City has to offer,” she said.

Locations of the new free WiFi spots

Doughishka Playground & Skate Park
Roscam Tennis courts
Liosban Retail Park
Terryland Castle
Ballyloughane beach
Miller’s Lane, Rahoon
McGrath’s Field, Knocknacarra
Renmore Community Centre and surrounding sports pitches
Ballinfoyle Community Centre
Eyre Square
Millenium Park
Claddagh Hall and Nimmos Pier
Westside Community Centre and surrounding sports pitches
Salthill Promenade: Seapoint, Leisureland and Blackrock
Salthill Park
Knocknacarra Community Centre and surrounding sports pitches

Head of Information Technology with Galway City Council, Elaine Naughton added: “The internet is such a fundamental part of our everyday lives now, and especially as we embrace the Digital Strategy for Galway City.

“These newly installed points will supplement the existing free Wi-Fi in the city centre, extending to key public areas in our suburbs with high footfall. We will have posters at each of the hotspot locations, to let people know they can connect to the internet for free at those places.”

Galway City Council received the maximum allowance of funding of €60,000 under the WiFi4EU initiative, with a further €60,000 in matched funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development bringing the total to €120,000.

The WiFi4EU initiative promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces in towns and cities across Europe.

PBP Galway organise public meeting on ‘skyrocketing energy prices’

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February 21, 2022

galway daily news people before profit poster for public meeting on energy prices

People Before Profit Galway has organised an online public meeting on ‘skyrocketing energy prices’ on Thursday, February 24 at 7pm.

The meeting entitled ‘Ireland’s Energy Crisis: Unaffordable and Unsecure’ will host Bríd Smith TD, as well as Jessie Dolliver of environmental group Not Here Not Anywhere and local PBP representative Adrian Curran.

The meeting follows a significant increase in home heating and electricity prices experienced by people since the new year.

Adrian Curran said that people have seen their bills increase by hundreds of euros in a short space of time and that the poor and elderly are feeling the worst of these hikes.

“Carbon taxes are targeting the wrong people,” said Mr Curran. “Instead of putting more people at risk of fuel poverty, we should be going after the big polluters.

“Research we conducted as a party showed that 62% of local authority housing in Galway City is D energy rated or worse.

“A way to both reduce bills and lower residential emissions would be for the City Council to retrofit each of these homes.”

Curran said that on top of this, data centres are ‘eating into our electricity and water supply’.

“This past year data centres used 11% of our electricity. That’s set to increase to 70% by 2030 in some cases,” he said.

“To cope with the extra power for these gas plants are proposed around the county in places like Gort and Tynagh. This completely contradicts the known science of climate change and the actions we need to take to reduce its impacts.”

People interested in attending can see the People Before Profit Galway social media pages or use the following link.

PAYE workers urged to review tax liabilities

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February 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Number on Pandemic Unemployment in Galway drops below 20,000

Galway East TD Seán Canney has urged PAYE workers in the county to review their tax liabilities every year.

The Independent TD said that in 2020, €390 million was refunded to PAYE taxpayers and so far, €57 million has been refunded for 2021 for overpayment of income tax.

He said that these figures demonstrate that many PAYE taxpayers are ‘paying too much tax’ and not claiming their full entitlements in tax relief.

“It is also important to note that PAYE taxpayer can review their tax deducted for a period of the previous 4 years,” said Deputy Canney.

“People who work and paying tax should take time to look at their expenses and outgoings as some of these expenses maybe tax-deductible.”

The Galway TD said that if people are working remotely, they can claim up to 30% of the cost of vouched expenses for heating, electricity and internet whilst working from home.

“People can check all the entitlement on the Revenue on-line system and also make claims for tax relief by registering on ‘My Account’ portal on the Revenue website.”

Galway Simon staff prepare to ‘Runamuck’ to raise vital funds

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February 21, 2022

gaLWAY DAILY NEWS SIMON COMMUNITY PREPARING for runamuck challenge fundraiser in galway — Staff members Kathryn O’Hara and Joanne Keena from Galway Simon’s Emergency Service prepare for the ‘Runamuck’

Galway Simon Community’s frontline staff are preparing to take part in a cross-country obstacle ‘run’ over a mucky course in a bid to raise funds for the men’s Emergency Service where they work.

The ‘Runamuck’ challenge, taking place on 5 March, is designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally, while also leaving them with smiles on their faces.

Training for the challenge is underway as the team gets ready to tackle bale jumps, net scrambles and crawls, bogs, ditches, streams and a floating pontoon bridge across a lake.

Funds raised will go directly to Galway Simon’s Emergency Service which provides temporary accommodation to men experiencing homelessness in Galway and supports them in their search to secure long-term accommodation.

The charity also provides the men with general nursing and mental health supports, addiction counselling and occupational therapy.

“It’s the practical day-to-day running of our Emergency Service that often goes unseen – having somewhere to eat a warm meal, wash your clothes and speak to someone who cares,” said Ann Murphy, Runamuck Team Leader and Galway Simon frontline staff member.

“Right now, we are in desperate need of a commercial washing machine that can handle the rigors of washing all day, every day.”

Fintan Maher, Galway Simon’s Head of Fundraising and Communications, said that the number of people living in Emergency Accommodation across the West is rising, which is hugely concerning.

“At the same time, our fundraising took a hit last year with more events cancelled due to the pandemic, so it is genuinely heart-warming and amazing to see our frontline staff go the extra mile to fundraise for our services”,” he said.

“It speaks to their commitment and compassion for the people who we support.”

To donate to Galway Simon’s Runamuck fundraiser or for more information search Galway Simon Community on iDonate.

Approval for extension to Kiltullagh National School

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February 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Approval for extension to Kiltullagh National School

Kiltullagh National School has received approval for another expansion to cater for more students.

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon said that the primary school has received approval to add another two classrooms.

“In January of 2016 I was honoured to be asked to officially open a major new extension at my old school in Kiltullagh where my mother Marie taught for 40 years.”

“We opened another extension in 2019 and just this evening I’m delighted to announce that Kiltullagh NS has just been approved for yet another two classroom extension.”

“Well done to Principal Marie Hansberry and to the amazing team at Kiltullagh NS. They do superb work in educating and empowering our young people,” Ciaran Cannon said.

The national school in Kiltullagh was first founded in 1856 in a one room thatched building.

The move to the core of the present school building occurred in 1958, and was followed by an extension and major refurbishment in 2005, with more after in 2011 and following years.

Galway researchers developing new technologies for the Defence Forces

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February 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway researchers developing new technologies for the Defence Forces

Researchers at NUI Galway are working on two major research projects for the Defence Forces to increase their security and capability.

Research teams have secured funding for two projects, AltFuel4DF and SafeGuard-Bio, aimed at improving fuel independence and safeguarding against biological threats.

The AltFuel4DF project led by Dr Rory Monaghan, and in collaboration with IT Carlow focused on creating low carbon fuels from waste.

It aims to develop ways to convert waste products like rubbish and residues from forestry and agriculture into sustainable low-carbon fuels, in order to improve the energy independence of the Defence Forces.

Part of the project will analyse fuel use to establish where there is the greatest need for low-carbon fuel, whether in ships, planes, or land based vehicles.

SafeGuard-Bio is a project which aims to develop a platform capable of detecting multiple biological threats from a single sample.

Led by Professor Lokesh Joshi and Dr Stephen Cunningham, this is in part a result of a decade long collaboration with the Defence Forces and Galway based medtech company Aquila Bioscience.

The solution has potential far beyond the security field, including aspects of public health and environmental monitoring for better awareness of infectious agents.

Prof Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUIG said that collaboration is a “vital element” of science research.

“As a public university it is profoundly important for our excellence to be put to the test in developing solutions for those who serve on the frontline.”

These two projects are funded under the SFI-Defence Organisation Challenge, which aims to deliver new technology for the Defence Forces which also has a wider societal impact.

Prof Livesey said that they have huge potential, and show the value researchers place on responding to society’s needs.

The NUI Galway projects are among just 10 selected as part of the SFI-Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge.

People with disabilities need transport supports Galway TDs say

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February 21, 2022

Galway Daily news More work permits needed to help hospitality sector recover

Galway TDs spoke in favour of a Dáil motion to provide more funding and support for people with disabilities who have mobility issues.

Galway East TD Seán Canney introduced the motion put forward backed by the Regional Group, which highlighted the “years of inaction” by successive governments to address transport supports for people with a disability.

Deputy Canney said that it is important to look at the issue of mobility for people with a disability in a “humane” way, noting that there are people who are cut off from their community, or unable to work

“The fact that successive governments have not addressed this issue is a shadow on politics. It is important that we get it right, and that we get it right now.”

“We talk a great deal about employability for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, if they cannot leave their house, it is a very poor start.”

The private members motion noted that households where someone has a disability spend on average over €9,000 on special items specifically related to that disability, transport, etc.

Deputy Canney added that in rural areas like east Galway, public transport is not available for many outside of the towns, and that we can’t wait for it to be improved to help isolated people.

The motion called on the government to provide funding for a scheme to replace the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, which was discontinued in 2013, as a matter of urgency.

It also calls for reform of the Primary Medical Certificate process, which he said is not fit for purpose, address discriminatory eligibility criteria, and to improve transport infrastructure and public transport access for people with a disability.

Galway West TD Noel Grealish added that there is a “looming crisis” for people buying vehicles adapted for wheelchair users or others with a disability.

He said that many manufacturers of wheelchair adapted cars are switching over to only making electric vehicles.

“This is a problem that is looming large now, not just something that is going to arise as we approach 2030, the year by which sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned.”

“While electric vehicles up to a certain value are exempt from VRT, they are way more expensive than the diesel or petrol models that have been used by these families and individuals up to now.”

“We are talking about an increased cost of perhaps €10,000 to €20,000 that they will face just to make it possible to do basic things like get to work, go to the shops, bring a child to school or to attend medical appointments.”

He said that people with a primary medical certificate should be offered financial support to switch over to electric vehicles, similar to a €15m scheme for taxi drivers announced earlier this month.

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten said that people with mobility issues have effectively bee living with a “9-year lockdown” since the end of the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant.

“So, while we have all experienced firsthand what it is like to be confined to our own homes due to Covid restrictions, think what it must be like for a person with a disability who has been effectively in lockdown in their own homes for the past 460 weeks.”

“It is impossible for people with disabilities to be able to lead full and active lives within our communities throughout this country without access to public and personal transport,” said Denis Naughten.

He hit out at the eligibility criteria for a primary medical certificate, needed to access the disabled driver and passenger scheme, saying that it is “totally inadequate” to meet the needs of people with a disability.

The Dáíl heard that the motion brought forward by the Regional Group was being accepted by the government.

Minister for Disability Roderic O’Gorman said that €13.35 million was secured in budget 2022 to ensure that public transport is accessible for people with disabilities, including by retrofitting old services.

Minister of State Anne Rabitte, says that the “critical issues” raised in this motion are being addressed through the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) transport steering group, which she chairs.

The Department of Finance will be reviewing the criteria for a primary medical certificate, she said, and added that she is leading the review of how that mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes can be redeveloped.

“We have ongoing work on accessible public transport being led by the Minister for Transport, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, some of which is focused specifically on rural challenges,” Anne Rabbitte added.

“The task that Government has set itself over the coming months is to identify where needs are not being addressed and to see how to respond to these needs.”

“That is my focus in leading the transport working group and that is the programme of work that lies before us.”

Galway saw worst winds in the country during Storm Franklin

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February 21, 2022

Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

Galway recorded the strongest winds in the country during the worst of Storm Franklin yesterday evening, as the third storm of the week hammered the country.

Mace Head weather station recorded winds gusting at 139km/hr on more than once occasion between 7pm and 9pm on Sunday, and sustained winds of 87km/hr.

These were the worst levels seen at any of the Met Eireann monitoring stations around the country.

Galway was under a Status Orange wind warning for Storm Franklin up to 3am on Monday morning, as dangerous conditions persisted overnight.

After the expiry of this, a Status Yellow weather warning for all of Ireland remained in place until 9am.

Franklin was the third named storm in a row to hit Ireland in the space of just a few days, following close on the heels of Dudley and Eunice earlier in the week.

Storm Franklin: Power outages still affecting over 600 Galway properties

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February 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Storm Isha: Over 6,000 properties without power in Galway this morning

There are still over 600 homes and businesses in Galway without power this morning following Storm Franklin, but most are small issues.

The ESB is dealing with twelve separate faults across Galway this morning, which are affecting the electricity supply to 637 properties.

The worst of the outages are in Connemara, with one fault affecting 266 properties in Screeb, and another 121 homes and businesses in the Clifden area.

In Carraroe there are 65 homes without power, along with 40 in Glenamaddy and 32 in Kilcolgan.

There are 30 properties without electricity in Headford from two faults, along with 21 in Oughterard, and 18 each in Recess and Ballygar.

Finally, there are 16 homes in the Tuam area, and 10 in Creagh, still dealing with power outages.

The ESB has estimated that all of these faults will be repaired by 6pm this evening at the latest.

Galway remains under a status yellow wind warning until 9am this morning as the tail end of Storm Franklin affects the country.

Storm Franklin: Over 2,700 homes in Galway without electricity

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February 20, 2022

Galway Daily news SHundreds of homes remain without power in Galway after severe weather

There are more than 2,700 properties in Galway suffering from electricity outages this evening as Storm Franklin continues to sweep across the west.

The largest single fault the ESB is dealing with in Galway is a power outage affecting 1,280 homes and business in the Ballygar area.

There are a further 476 properties without electricity in Carraroe, and 413 in the Tuam area.

In Headford there are 304 homes without electricity, as well as 246 in the Clifden area.

Finally, power outages are affecting 16 properties in Oughterard and another 13 Spiddal.

Galway is currently under a Status Orange wind warning for Storm Franklin, which will remain in place until 3am tomorrow morning.

Updates on rapidly changing power outages in Galway and elsewhere can be found on the ESB Powercheck page.

Storm Franklin: Toft Car Park and Silverstrand closing

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February 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Prior warning notices for three city beaches

Galway City Council is closing amenities along the coast in Salthill this afternoon due to the weather warning for Storm Franklin.

The council said that due to the Status Orange weather warning, Toft Car Park and Silverstrand will be closed.

Galway will be under an Orange wind warning from 3pm this afternoon, as Storm Franklin is set to continue hammering the west coast of Ireland throughout the day.

The city council statement said: “Due to the Orange Weather Warning in place from 3pm this afternoon, bringing high winds and gusts, Toft Car Park and Silver Strand will be closed to the public.”

“Members of the public are urged to heed the Orange Weather Warning, as winds in Galway City are forecast to gust at 110km/h, which along with high seas, may lead to wave overtoping at Salthill.”

“The public are also advised to avoid coastal areas where possible. Be prepared and watch for falling tress, power lines and wind-blown debris.”

Connacht Rugby junior league finals called off

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February 20, 2022

Galway Daily sport Connacht Junior Rugby league finals called off

Two Connacht junior rugby due to take place today have also been called off due to Storm Franklin.

The Connacht J1A and J1B League finals were due to take place this afternoon at the Sportsground.

They have now been postponed due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

“The games will be rescheduled in due course and all tickets purchased for today will be valid for the new date,” Connacht Rugby said on Facebook.

A Status Orange weather warning has been issued for Galway today, as Storm Franklin is to bring hammering winds along the west coast of Ireland.

Galway v Offaly cancelled due to weather warning

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February 20, 2022

Galway Daily sport Galway v Offaly cancelled due to weather warning

The Galway v Offaly Allianz League football match meant to take place this afternoon has been cancelled due to the weather.

Galway and Offaly were due to play at Pearse Stadium in Round 3 of the Allianz Football League at 2pm this afternoon.

However, Galway GAA has said that due to the upgraded weather warning, the match has now been cancelled.

Met Eireann issued a more serious Status Orange weather warning for gale force winds in Galway today, as Storm Franklin is to hammer the west coast.

That will be in effect from 3pm this afternoon, but the county and all of Ireland is already under a status yellow wind warning today.

Galway GAA has said that a revised date for this fixture will be arranged in due course.

📍 #AllianzLeagues OFF

Due to the upgraded Weather alert in the last few minutes to status ORANGE, in the interest of health and safety the game is now CALLED OFF.

A revised date for this fixture will be communicated by GAA in due course. pic.twitter.com/a5sHzEiA9A

— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) February 20, 2022

Over 1,700 homes without electricity in Galway

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February 20, 2022

galway daily news Over 1,000 Galway homes without electricity as Storm Jocelyn approaches

There are more than 1,700 properties currently without electricity in Galway today, as Storm Franklin, the third of the week, brings damaging winds.

The ESB is reporting two faults in the Athenry area, which are currently causing electricity outages to 798 homes and businesses.

Further south, there are also two outages around Gort, which have left a total of 951 properties without electricity.

All of these faults are currently expected to be repaired by 3pm this afternoon at the latest according to the ESB Powercheck.

Galway is currently under a status yellow wind warning for Storm Franklin, with an orange weather warning to come into effect from 3pm this afternoon.

Met Eireann has warned that gale force winds with “severe and damaging gusts” can be expected today and into the early hours of Monday morning.

Storm Franklin: Status Orange weather warning issued

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February 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Storm Franklin: Status Orange weather warning issued

Met Eireann has issued a status orange weather warning for Galway today, as the third named storm this week will bring damaging winds.

Storm Franklin will cause gale force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts on Sunday, Met Eireann has said.

These winds combined with very high seas will lead to wave overtopping, which may result in coastal flooding.

The orange warning for Galway and Mayo will be in effect from 3pm today until 3am on Monday morning.

Two other separate orange wind warnings have been issued for Clare on one side, and Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo further north.

A Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland has also been in place since this morning, and will currently remain until 9am on Monday.

A marine Storm Warning for the Atlantic Coast cautions that “Northwesterly winds will reach storm force 10 on Sunday evening and Sunday night on Irish coastal waters from Valentia to Rossan Point to Belfast Lough.”

Met Eireann warns of “phenomenal waves” and possible flooding today

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February 20, 2022